the amplitude, duration, and frequency of encoded information of receptors is received
by the nervous system. The prosthesis cannot respond to external stimuli due to the gap
between readable devices and neutrally intelligible. Signal coding and transmission are
converted into an electrical response by the sensor that can communicate with the ner
vous system. In recent years, many attempts have been taken for establishing the bridge
between electrical devices and the systems of the human body.
9.3.2.1 Analog Signal Conversion and Amplification
The prosthetic device converts the output of the sensor into current and voltage. It is
the first step for the coding of information to interface with the central nervous system.
In most prosthetic devices, external stimuli like heat or pressure are not converted
directly into current and voltage. But these devices need an additional circuit that
converts the capacitive readout into voltage for example in capacitive pressure sen
sors [30]. Pressure changes can be responded to by changing the transistor drain cur
rent; either by integrating the transistor gate with piezocapacitive/piezoelectric senor
or transistor source with a piezoresistive sensor. The transistor in these devices works
like an amplifier that amplifies the readout signal for better sensitivity. Low gate ca
pacitance and mobility limits these sensors to work at higher voltage, which requires
safety concerns [31].
9.3.2.2 Biomimetic Analog to Digital Transform
Action potential, in the form of a digital signal, is transmitted in subcutaneous receptors.
After the conversion of signal into current and voltage, is digitized into biological signals.
Digitizing of signals is performed by transistors. Silicon-based transistors are the tradi
tional form that is made up of elastomers. Mechanical modulus of these transistors
mismatch with the human e-skin. Although scientists have explored the ways to integrate
these transistors with flexible systems by converting these into wires for connection with
a rigid surface. Organic transistors have more flexibility and are used in electronic skin
systems. The organic transistors convert pressure signals into frequency. The ring oscil
lator in these systems is made up of plastic polyethylene naphthalte foils printed with
organic transistors, which converts the voltage input into a periodic voltage signal. Each
ring oscillator is equipped with a pair of complementary transistors. Resistance of the
pressure sensor is measured with a piezoresistive sensor that determines its output fre
quency which later turned into pulse signals.
9.3.2.3 Synaptic Signal Processing
Synapses transfer the signal from one neuron into another neuron in the nervous system.
The signal is not directly transmitted but undergoes learning and memory, i.e., time and
intensity modulation occurs known as synaptic plasticity. Signal processing can bring the
learning and recovery of specific functions for the disabled in electronic skin-based
prosthetics. Synaptic plasticity can be well performed with ion-gated transistors. The ion-
gated transistor integrated with a tensile sensing element provides synaptic plasticity in
response to pressure as stimuli. Channel current of the ion-gated transistor encodes the
information on the frequency, amplitude, and duration of the applied stimulus. Synaptic
transistors can regulate the triboelectric and piezoelectric signals, while memristor-based
systems simulate the synaptic plasticity.
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Bioelectronics